Tree takes down Sanctuary Woods sign

Crews cut down a tree at Sanctuary Woods, 4750 66th St., on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. Photo by Mary Jo Bertolino

The damaged oak tree came down as scheduled on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, at Sanctuary Woods Park, 4750 66^th St., but it didn’t come down without a fight.

Consumers Energy crews were cutting the tree and a piece dropped down, bouncing unexpectedly into the about 3-foot-by-5-foot custom-made parks welcome sign, breaking it into seven pieces.

The sign at Sanctuary Woods, 4750 66th St., on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, after being pieced back together after being hit by a falling tree. Photo by Jeff Partyka

The sign was made by Robert Krause, an artist based in Fennville who has made signs for the township hall, 4338 Beeline Road, Wolters Woods Park, 6281 147^th Ave., Huyser Farm Park, 4188 64^th St., Shore Acres Park, 6602 138^th Ave., and Farview Park, 6257 138^th Ave.

Krause also designed a sign for the Laketown Township Beach, 6710 142^nd Ave., but the parks and recreation commission decided in 2024 not to commission the work.

The township is investigating replacing the Sanctuary Woods sign.

The tree was originally damaged over the summer when branches fell and caused a power outage.

Sanctuary Woods is 40 acres with a lower level and upper level trails linked by 170 wooden steps. A historic Interurban railway bridge is in the park.